SECTION 9B. Needs-based financial assistance program; scholarships; guidelines

There shall be a program, subject to appropriation, of needs-based financial assistance, administered by the board of higher education, to provide full or partial scholarships for residents of the commonwealth enrolled in and pursuing a part-time or full-time program of higher education in any of the public institutions of higher education in the commonwealth. The council shall establish guidelines to govern said program. Said guidelines shall be filed with the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on education, arts and humanities within thirty days of the approval by the council of said guidelines.